Frank Chavez

Frank Apodaca Chavez, 95, of Morenci, passed away at home on April 1, 2017. He was born April 28, 1921 in an Marcial, New Mexico to Teofilo & Bersabel Chavez. Frank attended schools in New Mexico and then served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army serving in WWII. During his service he was a gun loader for P-51 and earned awards as an Army Sharp Shooter and Drill Instructor for the rifle. After returning home he moved to Morenci in 1951 where he began working for Phelps Dodge as a Shovel Operator and Carpenter. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion Knights of Columbus for Holy Cross Parish. He loved to go hunting, doing carpentry work and spending time with his family. He loved his children and specially his growing family. Frank is survived by his children; Sharon Bigdelou, Frank R. Chavez, Della Cabral, Marybelle Salazar, Bernie Chavez, Michael Chavez & Anna Miller, his brother, Salvador Chavez, as well as 21 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Teofilo & Bersabel Chavez, his 1st wife Dell Romero Chavez, his 2nd wife Catalina D. Chavez and his siblings, Eduardo Chavez, Inez Alvarez, Bernardo Chaez, Anapolinana Holguin, Rosa Lucero, Andres Chavez, Teofilo Chavez & Laura Alderete. A viewing will be hold on Monday, April 17, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. with the Rosary being led at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Cross Catholic Parish in Morenci. Donations can be made to the Mt. Graham Home Health & Hospice.